Golfo
de Panama, Chiriqui Peninsula
We threw off the lines and headed for Panama last Thursday, September 21. We loved Costa Rica, but was time for new adventures. In the 3 days we have had a full share. The first night we anchored in the Golfo de Panama right off the Chiriqui Peninsula. The day had been overcast with little wind so very little sailing except for a brief time when we got up to 7 1/2 knots which is really flying.
The next morning we left for the Isla Secas Islands, Calvada Island. After creeping in between 2 small islands with little water, we anchored in a small bay that was pure heaven, picture perfect. The first morning we woke to sunshine-sunshine which is unusual in these parts at this time of year, and a mama whale and her calf came to visit and stayed to tea. Later papa came back for his turn at looking us over.
After a day of hard snorkeling and swimming off from the island which is covered with lush growth of every type, Jerry tried out his new spear gun. He speared a fish which in the light of air was too small, he threw in back. While exploring a spring on the island, Jerry stopped to look at something, and a coconut fell right between us. That could have ben a killer coconut.
We decided this place was too beautiful to leave so we stayed for a second night. Rain, wind, waves attacked us. In the morning it looked threatening but we still went island exploring and left for the boat too late. Sheets of rain fell so heavily that we couldn't see Gracie at anchor in the harbor. It was scary! Once we got aboard the winds climbed to almost 40 knots.
I guess we won't mind leaving for Bahia Honda tomorrow morning.
- 24 September 2000